Online shopping in China is fast, convenient, and extremely popular — but if you don’t understand the key Chinese terms used on platforms like Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, and Tmall, it’s easy to get confused.
This guide will teach you the most important Chinese shopping vocabulary so you can place orders, communicate with sellers, and shop confidently like a local.
1. 卖家 (mài jiā) – Seller
Meaning: The person or store selling the product.
This is one of the first terms you’ll see on any shopping platform in China.
📖 Example:
卖家回复得很快。
Pinyin: Màijiā huífú de hěn kuài.
Translation: The seller replies quickly.
2. 买家 (mǎi jiā) – Buyer
Meaning: The customer placing the order — that’s you!
📖 Example:
买家评价很好。
Pinyin: Mǎijiā píngjià hěn hǎo.
Translation: The buyer reviews are very good.
3. 下单 (xià dān) – Place an Order
Meaning: To confirm and submit your purchase — “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart.”
📖 Example:
我刚刚下单了。
Pinyin: Wǒ gānggāng xiàdān le.
Translation: I just placed an order.
4. 付款 (fù kuǎn) – Make Payment
Meaning: Pay using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank card.
📖 Example:
请尽快付款。
Pinyin: Qǐng jǐnkuài fùkuǎn.
Translation: Please make the payment as soon as possible.
5. 发货 (fā huò) – Ship the Goods
Meaning: The seller has dispatched the package.
📖 Example:
卖家已经发货了。
Pinyin: Màijiā yǐjīng fāhuò le.
Translation: The seller has already shipped the goods.
6. 快递 (kuài dì) – Express Delivery / Courier
Meaning: The courier company delivering your package (SF Express, YTO, Cainiao, etc.).
📖 Example:
快递到了。
Pinyin: Kuàidì dàole.
Translation: The delivery has arrived.
7. 签收 (qiān shōu) – Sign for Delivery
Meaning: Confirm that the package has been received.
📖 Example:
请记得签收快递。
Pinyin: Qǐng jìdé qiānshōu kuàidì.
Translation: Remember to sign for the delivery.
8. 7天无理由退货 (qī tiān wú lǐ yóu tuì huò) – 7-Day No-Reason Return
Meaning: A standard rule in China’s e-commerce system — return within 7 days with no explanation needed (item must be unused).
📖 Example:
这件商品支持7天无理由退货。
Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shāngpǐn zhīchí qī tiān wú lǐyóu tuìhuò.
Translation: This product supports 7-day no-reason returns.
9. 换货 (huàn huò) – Exchange Goods
Meaning: Request a different size, color, or model.
📖 Example:
可以换货吗？
Pinyin: Kěyǐ huànhuò ma?
Translation: Can I exchange it?
10. 好评 (hǎo píng) – Positive Review
Meaning: Leave a 5-star or positive rating after receiving your order.
📖 Example:
谢谢您的好评！
Pinyin: Xièxiè nín de hǎopíng!
Translation: Thank you for your positive review!
⭐ Final Thoughts: Learn the Chinese Terms You Need to Shop Like a Local
With these essential Chinese e-commerce vocabulary words, you can shop online in China more confidently — from placing your first Taobao order to tracking deliveries and requesting returns.
Understanding these simple terms makes the entire online shopping experience faster, easier, and stress-free.
To truly enjoy shopping, travelling, and daily life in China, building your Mandarin foundation is key.
At SN Mandarin, we teach practical, real-world Chinese that helps you communicate clearly in everyday situations.
👉 Start learning Mandarin today and unlock a smoother life in China!
